Tag Archives: voting

Today is Election Day here in the United States of America. Every four years American citizens proudly cast their vote for a new president. It’s the day when Americans are encouraged to vote and believe that democracy is still working.

While I do believe that the original ideals of the founding fathers were some of the best the world has ever seen (though far from being anything closely resembling a “Christian” nation), I have been thoroughly convinced that this country was bought and paid for a long time ago by powerful people who now control the direction of the state.

If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the major campaign contributors for both presidential candidates. That’s not conspiracy stuff… it’s right in front of us if we’ll rise above the racket and political banter.

For those that have been following me here at the blog or at Facebook and Twitter, you know that I have what I believe to be a healthy suspicion of all worldly kingdoms. I believe that Jesus very intentionally rejected the avenues of political power to bring the Kingdom of God (John 18:36).

The Kingdom of God is not of this world, but it is for this world.

You may choose to vote today, but you need to remember that there is nothing distinctively Kingdom about it. The issues of politics are so complex and complicated, while being filled with lies, corruption, and greedy men, that you should never label your way of voting as “Christian” or your candidate as the “clear” choice for the country.

The kingdoms of the world have been hijacked by the prince of the power of the air. We’re promised that Jesus will soon crush Satan under his feet and establish a Kingdom that will never end (Rom 16:20; Dan 7:14). This is the Kingdom of which we’ve been called to build.

This should serve as a reminder to us that we have been called to be Christ in our own communities through the methods that Jesus himself laid down for us. Real change happens on the local level by the church being the hands and feet of Jesus through creative Gospel living.

When the church is being the church, she is not preoccupied with politics. She discovers that real lasting change happens another way. And it doesn’t look like legislating sin or using power-over people to enforce morality.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)

If the government asks for your opinion every four years and you can give it in good conscience, then by all means vote. But do so under no illusions that you’re doing the pure work of Kingdom building.

If you get a tingly feeling or sense some level of euphoria after voting, you may need to rethink where you’ve placed your hope and trust. This also includes you proudly sporting your voting banners and pictures.

Think about what you’re doing. Does it look like Jesus in the world?

We have a King whose Kingdom is present in this world, though not fully known in the earth. You and I have been called to make it known and further it in the way of Jesus. Are we doing that calvary-style?

If you’re a Christian, remember your King today. Rejoice in the reality that he is ruling from heaven and will soon bring heaven and earth together.

Put your hope and trust in Jesus, and say with me, “That’s My King!”

Why do you think that evangelicals have become so entangled in politics today? How has political involvement distorted the Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed? What does “King of Kings” mean to you? What encourages you most about the message of Jesus in this video?

“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:33-37 NIV

The conversation between Pilate and Jesus is the most personal point of collision between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world.

In the past, I’m afraid we have read this text and seen its drama play out in such a way that is totally disconnected from everything Jesus had been teaching three years prior to his arrest. He has not merely used political language here to speak of heavenly things.

Jesus is not using political rhetoric here to simply ensure his brutal death on a cross for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus doesn’t whisper in Pilate’s ear, “Do me a favor, would you? I have to die for the sins of the world. I would appreciate it if you could crucify me for no reason.” No, nothing of the sort!

Jesus was proclaiming an end to the power and glory of worldly kingdoms and the rise of a new order. The only way to miss this is to revel in ignorance of first century Palestine.

“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Paul, Colossians 2:15

Unfortunately, the American version of the story is what we have been told. We have removed most (if not all) earthly implications of Christ’s words to his church concerning her relationship to worldly powers.

We have stripped the New Testament of all immediate implications on faith as it pertains to worldly politics. Where we find the Scripture opposes our own personal paradigms we must ignore its instruction, change its meaning, or compartmentalize it to fit our dichotomized faith.

This belief system promotes the idea that our discipleship does not carry over to all aspects of life. And when a person wants to meddle in worldly affairs that Christ himself did not concern himself with, out come the excuses as to why our situations and circumstances are different than those of Jesus.

“Perhaps in our well-intentioned efforts to bring all things under the lordship of Christ, American Christian culture has been guilty of baptizing unrepentant social systems and structures… Has American Christianity too often shelved its discipleship, compartmentalized its faith, and thus been blinded by unredeemed cultural forces that leave us prey to the principalities and powers of this world?” Lee Camp, Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World, p.18

There is no denying this is indeed what has happened among the church today. The answer to our present dilemma is not to continue down the path of castrating the Gospel of Jesus with insistency upon getting our hands on the mantle of political power. It is to return to the way of the Master.

It is by renewing our Christology in a zealous pursuit of his heart. It can only come by taking another look at Jesus and rethinking the doctrine of the two kingdoms. It will call for a fresh interpretation of Scripture within its historical-grammatical context and a discovery of the indwelling Christ.

And it will come with great sacrifice.

Donald Kraybill writes:

“Kingdom ethics, taught and lived by Jesus, can be transported over the bridge linking the first century with our own… The Gospels don’t offer a full-blown system of formal ethics for every conceivable situation… Jesus, does however, clearly introduce us to basic principles of the right and good for the collective life of the Kingdom. Making specific applications, of course, is the task of believers guided by the Holy Spirit.” The Upside-Down Kingdom, p.31

It is only the Person and the work of Christ that our entire faith is built upon. No level of human wisdom and ingenuity is relevant to issues that faced us yesterday, face us today, and will be facing us tomorrow.

If we want to understand the heart of Christ who is God, we must be willing to abandon human reasoning that is not first captivated by the words of Jesus. Are we willing to lay aside our preconceived notions and our cultural conditioning in order that we might receive the word of Christ?

Would we be so bold as to allow the Holy Spirit of Christ to invade our space and reveal to us the “foolishness” of the Gospel that Paul wrote about (1 Cor. 1:18-20)?

May the Spirit give us the ability to say, “Yes!” to Christ.

Baptism: Initiation into the Kingdom of God

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~ Jesus, Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

Baptism is symbolic for entrance into the Kingdom of God that Christ proclaimed. It is an outward picture of an inward reality. And it stands for much more than the forgiveness of sin.

Other religious groups practiced forms of baptism as sort of an initiation into that community of belief. For the Christian, it meant that a person was now dead to the things of the world. They were forsaking all systems and kingdoms of the world for new life in a Kingdom not of this world.

“The Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent and be baptized!” was the cry of John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus.

Baptism was a call to enter in to a new order of living. In Jesus’ day, this most certainly would have been calling for a denial of Roman domination and a pledge to another existence in God’s rightful reign upon the earth. This was a proclamation that the Messiah was about to establish his law and politics that opposes those of the world.

The “Way of the Lord” was being prepared by John. And then Jesus steps into the waters of the Jordan. The Spirit anoints him as King, and the rest is history. Or is it that simple?

Is this all that can be gathered from this text? Is this just a neat story of Jesus dipping himself in a river so that people can reenact the ritual in baptistries everywhere? Could there be more?

Maybe history proves this rite of passage into the Kingdom of God is very much alive today. And I submit to you its power and its significance can’t be contained in a nice religious ceremony.

“As new believers confessed their faith and entered the community through baptism, they reconsidered and redefined everything about themselves… Some people left their jobs when their old lives collided with their new ones, when their allegiance to Rome collided with their new allegiance to God’s Kingdom.” Shane Claiborne, Jesus For President, p.144.

What kind of people does Baptism call us to be? What sort of new living will result in our initiation into the Kingdom of God? I don’t believe that this baptism makes all things in the world sacred. (As many “emerging” theologians suggest.) It makes only our lives sacred.

Once our entire lives have become consecrated unto the Lord, then we may perceive with heavenly wisdom what is redeemable in the world. All things become new through our own sanctification. Then and only then may we determine what Christ has called us to sprinkle our salt upon.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Jesus, Matthew 5:13 NIV

Will we allow something in our lives to not pass through the waters of the Kingdom? Will this repentance be complete or only partial? Will we push the Kingdom aside for another passionate agenda?

We must examine all aspects of our lives and ask, “Have all things in my life been eternally effected by the Kingdom of God?”

It is time to recognize that the Kingdom of God takes precedence over all issues facing us today. It was at the forefront of the secret message of Jesus. And Christ coming in his Kingdom ought to be at the core of our own.

“I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”Jesus, Luke 4:43 NIV

Not of this World

I have to believe that Pilate was a bit confused and curious as to the meaning of Jesus’ words, “my Kingdom is not of this world.” Perhaps, he believed Jesus was a few fries short of a happy meal.

It’s very possible he was only thinking of solving the matter without rousing a riot in the streets of Jerusalem.

This is for certain, Jesus’ words were treasonous. Pilate responds, “You are a king then.” It doesn’t matter what sort of king Jesus claimed to be. Caesar was a god in the flesh. Caesar rules the cosmos, not an unimpressive Jewish carpenter who has a death wish. There is no room in the world for two kings demanding ultimate allegiance.

Pilate understood that if he didn’t deal with this enemy of the state, word might get back to Rome. History proves that Pontius Pilate had no qualms with crucifying folks. Critics of the Gospels believe this portrayal of Pilate is not true to history.

No doubt, Pilate is unclear as to what to do with this strange prophet who speaks of “truth” and treason but shows complete serenity in his predicament.

So why the uncertainty? Did his wife’s dream faze him that much (Matt. 27:19)? There is clearly something out of the ordinary taking place here. He faces a major dilemma.

Dealing with the insubordinate Jews was no easy task. He needed to maintain the peace and the crowd was furiously chanting for Jesus’ blood. He knows his duty as procurator. His reason tells him he must kill this Jesus of Nazareth.

“In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” Daniel 2:44 NIV

We don’t have a hard time recognizing that most first-century Jews clearly missed the Kingdom that was foretold by the prophet Daniel. They were expecting a political king that would establish a worldly kingdom rule and release them from their Roman captors.

“If you are the Messiah, come down off that cross!” they cried.

No, Jesus of Nazareth didn’t even come close to what they wanted in a ruler. But before we scrutinize the Jews for their rejection of a suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53), we should take a look in the mirror.

For we too have a difficult time choosing a king whose Kingdom calls for power-under people instead of power-over them.

The church has been guilty of rejecting the upside-down Kingdom of God that demands a rejection of the methods of the kingdoms of this world. We have not understood that the nature of the Gospel is to win by dying, not by killing.

We simply can’t imagine the advancement of God’s Kingdom without the aid of the nations and their politics. We refuse to trust in the power of the Gospel that Christ proclaimed.

We would rather trust in “necessary evils” and all manner of ungodliness than in the way of the cross.

We are guilty of resorting to methods that Jesus and the apostles taught against. We would rather address our personal feelings of passivity and “duty” with picking up the sword instead of the cross. This should not be.

“The crucial distinction between the two kingdoms is how they provide antithetical answers to the questions of what power one should trust to change ourselves and others: Do you trust “power over” or “power under”? Do you trust the power of the sword, the power of external force, or do you trust the influential but noncoercive power of Calvary-like love?… The Kingdom of God consists of all those who choose the latter rather than the former who act accordingly.” Gregory Boyd, The Myth of a Christian Nation, p.33

Jesus responds to the disciples and their request to have a form of leadership like the systems of the world. You can almost hear the same cry that you heard from Israel a thousand years before, “Give us a king to lead us!” (1 Sam. 8:6) In other words, “We want the same order that we see in the world.”

Christ replies to their confusion and leaves no ambiguity as to how we too should view this matter.

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45 NIV

Not only does this beg to question our desire to rule with power-over others in the world, but in the church as well. Much of American Christianity has evolved from years of ignoring the teachings of Jesus and pragmatically applying methods and systems of the world upon those things that are supposed to be “not of this world”.

We are guilty of adopting methods of the world to advance the Kingdom of God and have not seen how our efforts are self-defeating. We can’t see how we have mixed the two kingdoms and corrupted our salt by choosing methods Jesus rejected. We apparently see ourselves in the role of Pilate instead of Jesus. But there is no way of escaping Christ’s words…

“I am not an earthly king… my Kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus, John 18:36 NLT

What does Jesus mean when he says, “my Kingdom is not of this world”? I’m afraid his words have been reduced to a memory verse with little to no power whatsoever. Judging by our actions, it has nothing to do with this world; as if Jesus is gazing off into the cosmos dreaming of some distant galaxy far removed from the pain and suffering of mankind.

It’s time to rethink all of these passages that have become common Christian clichés and a meaningless regurgitation of words when we have nothing else better to say.

I believe the first place to start in understanding Christ’s Kingdom that is “not of this world” is in a fresh look at the first event following Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan.

The Temptations of Christ: Defining the Kingdom

In Matthew 4:1-11, we immediately see Jesus led by the Spirit into the Judean wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The Lord has wasted no time in beginning his work.

But before he can begin his ministry in his proclamation of the Kingdom of God, Jesus must first undergo a trial and confrontation that will forever define his Kingdom. He must decide in his own heart and for the testimony of his followers what kind of Messiah he will be.

What kind of king and kingdom will Jesus choose? His choices then become our choices if we wish to follow him.

“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” John, 1 John 2:6 NIV

In order to understand the temptations, we must see them in conjunction with the previous events. They should not be isolated from Christ’s recent baptism and his inauguration as the King of the Kingdom of God that John was preaching; the Kingdom that Jesus will continue to proclaim throughout his ministry.

The temptations of Christ are not merely examples of Jesus overcoming sin. They were not meant to be read as three accounts of Jesus facing opposition so that you can face opposition with confidence. For we know that Jesus faces opposition and endless temptations throughout his ministry.

No my friends, this isn’t just good sermon material for us to use to condemn others and warm our souls when the days are dark. The true purpose of this record is understood when we accept that there is one story that is building to the conversation with Pilate, and ultimately to the cross.

Will you join me in rejecting this belief that the Bible is a collection of disjointed stories that we can yank from its context to affirm our American Christianity?

“The synoptic writers report that three right-side-up options lured Jesus before he launched the upside-down kingdom… The temptation points to a right-side-up kingdom encompassing the three big social institutions of his day: political, religious, and economic.” Donald Kraybill, The Upside-Down Kingdom, p.33

After fasting forty days and forty nights, of course Jesus was tired and hungry. This clearly would have made any proposal appealing to the flesh. We all know how much our physical state affects our spiritual focus.

And this was the point of the fasting. Jesus makes himself completely vulnerable to opposition. It would have certainly been a time of closeness with the Father and a time of great challenge in his humanity against Satan.

The devil came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus replies, “It is written, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt.4:3,4).

Hmm… OK, is that it? Jesus was tempted to eat some bread. Is there more? I have always sensed much more is going on here that meets the eye. What about you? Are you content with this event seemingly being disconnected from the preaching of the Kingdom of God in the previous chapter?

I was taught this temptation communicates the importance of God’s Word. That’s all great and I agree that God’s Word is important. But there is obviously something more going on here that we can connect to Matthew’s account in the previous episode.

To those familiar with Hebrew history and the economic problems of Christ’s day, you should recognize a few details. Forty days? How many times have we seen forty days used as a complete time of trial and tribulation? And what about the “wilderness” and “bread”? Recognize these things?

Jesus embodies Israel and reveals his divine mission as well as the mission for those who wish to follow him. The connection to Israel’s history and Christ’s words of total submission to God is obvious. But what does this have to do with Jesus’ recent baptism and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God?

We see that Christ is speaking to the past through his resistance to the first temptation. But what is he saying to the present and the future of his people? In order to answer that question we first must acknowledge that this account has everything to do with the ministry Christ is about to embark upon.

Secondly, we have to learn about the oppression of the people under Rome’s heavy hand. There were two classes of people in the Roman Empire: upper and lower class. Evidence suggests that 90% of the citizens were of the lower class.

Bread represents provision. God provided bread for the Israelites. Jesus will later say, “I am the bread of life.” Bread was an essential part of their diet. Therefore, in light of the context, we begin to see the real “temptation” come to the surface. How are you going to provide for the people?

Since he is the Messiah, the devil tempts Jesus to be a welfare king. “Turn these stones to bread” he said. How will Christ deal with the economic problems of the world? This is the question Christ answers. It is a question every king must consider.

Jesus’ response ought to be seen as a rejection of solving the problem as an earthly king would. He doesn’t ignore the physical needs of the world; he simply chooses to address the matter in a way that seems foolish. He relates to the hunger of people all over the world, but he doesn’t choose to alleviate the pain and suffering. He embraces it.

The Kingdom of God is much bigger than a loaf of bread—it is more than food.

Jesus deals with poverty in a different way. This becomes clear as we see Jesus refuse to simply feed the people and ease their temporary suffering. And when he did do these things, he called them into the Kingdom of God. Yes, the Gospel is social, but not in the way some in the “emergent” church would have you believe.

Then the devil took Jesus to the highest point of the Temple in the “holy city” Jerusalem. Satan says, “If (since) you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.” The devil then proceeds to quote Scripture (Psalm 91), twisting it to tempt Jesus to action. Is Jesus going to swoop in and gain the approval of the religious establishment? He very easily could have removed all doubt to who he was.

A grand entrance would certainly gain recognition that he was indeed the Messiah. Yet, he resists the temptation to gain approval of those religious folk. If Christ was going to convince the religious leaders, the “Doctors of the Law,” this was the time to do it. And there would be no better way to convince them of his true identity.

But Jesus chooses not to parachute in and remove all doubt. He will make his presence known in the Temple, but right after he drives out those making a profit off of God. This is quite different than the entrance he was tempted with by the devil.

Jesus storms in to the heart of Jewish religion, and turns it upside-down. The Temple is no longer the place of worship and symbol of God’s presence. For the Spirit of God has come to dwell in men. There is now something greater than the Temple. Immanuel, God with us.

Again, to understand this temptation, we must read it in light of what has already been presented. The devil challenges Jesus, as Messiah, to confront the economic issues of the world in keeping with the expected provision of a savior. And now… he tempts Jesus to embrace institutional religion.

He rejects the secular concept of Messiah in both the way he confronts social injustices and the way he deals with religion.

This was totally unexpected and intolerable. Jesus does not come in and paint the heroes as villains and get away with it. No sir. This idea is not only opposed by the religious leaders, they demand its death.

Jesus overcomes this temptation and once again rests on the Word of God, saying, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Now Jesus faces his most difficult challenge yet. Jesus is taken to a high mountain. Mountains were seen as places where deities come to earth. From the pagan “high places” to the receiving of the Ten Commandments, God chose to work within this Eastern mindset. And this final temptation should be seen as an offer of divine importance.

Jesus has already rejected two powerful offers to play by the world’s rules and give the people the Messiah that was expected: a Messiah that fixes this present age by methods characteristic of this world.

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8,9 NIV

This one has always puzzled me in the past. Is the temptation here to worship the devil? Let’s see if you can figure out what is really facing Jesus in this final bout with Satan.

The devil has already tempted Jesus in this way, “So you are the Messiah are you? Well, feed the people! You are aware of their suffering and their deep need to eat. You feel their hunger even now. What are you going to do about it?” Jesus answers.

“Only as we see what Jesus rejected, can we know what he has affirmed.” Donald Kraybill, The Upside-Down Kingdom, 34

Again the devil comes at Christ, saying, “OK, Messiah, what are you going to do about their religion? I have an idea, why don’t you save yourself some trouble and just prove to them you are who you say you are?”

Christ chooses the Messianic secret and opposes them instead.

Jesus is faced with three major social institutions: economic (bread), religious (temple), and now the political (mountain). Christ is shown all the kingdoms of the world. The devil has power over them, which Jesus does not deny. The Messiah will crush these kingdoms as Daniel prophesied. But how will he crush them?

Will he take the world by force and use violence? Will he succumb to the way of the present evil age, and the prince of the air, by putting his hand to the plow of political power? Will he be an Alexander, an Augustus, or better yet… a King David? This would not be the last time he is faced with this temptation (Matt. 16:23; 26:51,52; Jn. 6:15).

Christ redefines power in his rejection of earthly kingship. He rejects the avenue of earthly politics to advance the Kingdom of God. He is not simply choosing power-under because it was the nice thing to do or it was the only way people could see love. By no means, the methods of Christ represent the very character of God.

Jesus embodies God’s will for his people and all those who seek to enter in to the rightful reign and rule of God on earth. Do not pass by this temptation and miss the foolishness of the Kingdom of God, for therein is power that we have not known in our day.

If we desire to follow Christ, we must embrace the suffering Messiah. Please notice that each time Christ rejects the devil’s ideas of Messiah, he accepts the way of suffering. He knowingly is choosing the way of the cross. And his choosing to resist the temptations are not for the sole purpose of dying a horrible death for the sins of the world.

This is a presentation of the Kingdom of God. For those that want to be baptized into this Kingdom you must count the cost and undergo the same trial of Jesus. If we are not willing to reject what Christ rejects, we are enemies of the cross.

We must be willing to say to the prince of the power of the air and the kingdoms he controls, “Away from me! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matt. 4:10)

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Peter, 1 Peter 2:21-25

The Nature of the Kingdom of God

“The Kingdom of God is here; but instead of destroying human sovereignty, it has attacked the sovereignty of Satan. The Kingdom of God is here; but instead of making changes in the external, political order of things, it is making changes in the spiritual order and in the lives of men and women.” George Eldon Ladd, The Gospel of the Kingdom, 55.

The doctrine of the two kingdoms reveals to us that they are contrary in nature. Let’s take a brief look at how they oppose one another. I do hope it will become clear as to why the Christian should not think they can use methods of the world to advance Christ’s agenda, especially in matters of the state. Paul has written of this contrast in Romans 12 and 13.

The Christian is called to love (12:9,10); the state is called to be “agents of wrath” (13:3).

The Christian is not to avenge (12:19); the state is a revenger of evil (13:4).

The Christian is to overcome evil with good (12:21); the state suppresses evil with wrath (13:4).

The Christian uses the sword of the Spirit (Eph.6:17); the state uses a sword of steel (13:4).

I want to focus in on the contrary nature of the two kingdoms by looking specifically at the worldly kingdoms (i.e. governments). It is from this system that all other power-over systems flow.

The kingdoms of the world represent a mock Kingdom of God. This is why Jesus chose to not utilize the avenues of politics and power to build his Kingdom. These kingdoms of the world, no matter what form of government exists, stand in opposition to the upside-down Kingdom of Christ.

When Jesus surveyed the landscape of the worldly kingdoms from that high mountain, there he saw all worldly kingdoms past, present, and future. And he says to them, “No, my kingdom is not of this world. I have made a spectacle of them by triumphing over them by the way of usurping their methods of power and domination.”

Jesus calls for the demise of the never-ending cycle of violence (Matt. 5:44). He represents a Kingdom that advances by serving people in love without strings attached (23:11). He does not rely upon or even address the social injustices of his day as being the responsibility of the state. This is not his concern. There is another way. This way is in sacrificial living.

It says that in order to win, you must die. If you want to gain, you must lose.

If you want to be successful in this life, you must prepare for the one to come. This way doesn’t call us to rule over men by restraining them with human law. The way of the cross submits itself to human law where it can, but rises above it and surpasses it in peaceful living.

Don’t be fooled into thinking Christ is an idealist. Jesus lived the Kingdom in power and he was fully connected to reality. We should not think that what appears as silence on certain matters of the state means we have the freedom to pick up the sword. Christ’s Kingdom is subversive. If we look closely, we will see him tearing down the kingdoms of the world and rejecting their methods of restraining evil.

Was Jesus a terrorist? It depends on how you look at it I guess. One thing is very clear, he did not resort to violence or any method of the state to advance the Kingdom of God. In fact, he kept a healthy distance from it.

Recently, I was engaged in a discussion on these matters. I was asked, “Aren’t we supposed to work for peace and justice? Doesn’t that mean we should use politics to do good in the world?” You would think so, yes. This is partly why the gate is narrow that leads to life. We would rather place our trust in the world’s methods than in the foolish ways of Christ.

If worldly politics are an acceptable way to advance the Kingdom of God, then every believer should be striving for power. Be done with trying to keep a foot in both kingdoms!

Pragmatism has pervaded the church in more ways than one. It has based a great deal of its decisions on human reasoning that is represented in the question above. Consider for a moment what we communicate when we say these things. We say Christ does not show us how to live and the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) is not for real life.

We then do what we can to follow Jesus where it does not conflict with our own cultural crusading. We compartmentalize our faith and push Jesus off into the corner. It is no wonder that Ghandi rejected Christ. The Christians he saw made no attempt to live like their Christ. Ghandi learned a few things from Christians alright, how to manipulate the teachings of Jesus in order to change the politics of his day.

I firmly believe that Christians in America are more aware of the Bill of Rights than the New Testament. They are so filled with clichés and heretical doctrines from the demons of nationalism, they can’t hear the pure words of Jesus without mixing them with apple pie, baseball, and images of Sergeant York learning how to chop up his faith. It’s time to wake up and rid ourselves of this corrupted American gospel of greed!

I want to end this final section with a challenge to rethink the two kingdoms.Jesus has spoken. The problem is just that we have a hard time hearing it.

Empire: A Home for Demons

In Luke 8:29-37, we read one account of the demon-possessed man by the seashore. Here is another story that must be read with the Kingdom of God in mind. Do you remember what the demon told Jesus when he asked him for his name? The demon said, “Legion.” Why Legion? You probably know that a “legion” was anywhere from two-thousand to six-thousand Roman soldiers. Now, if you see this from a Kingdom perspective, there is more going on here than meets the eye.

Well, I am not satisfied with the idea that this was just some random name this naked demon-possessed man came up with during his stay in the nearby tombs. I am persuaded to believe that Jesus casting “Legion” out is an indirect attack on Rome. This episode represents what the Kingdom of God is doing now.

It speaks to what we should be doing now. Our concern is the spiritual order of things—bringing life to those who have empty souls—souls so empty the demons come in to set up house and stay a while.

What happens after this exorcism? Jesus casts “Legion” into the pigs (unclean animal) that run into the sea. This reminds me of Pharaoh and his legions. They were swallowed up in the sea.

“Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.” John, Revelation 19:19-21

John was exiled to the island of Patmos due to his radical views. And the only way to write a final word of encouragement to Christians with the vision he received was to write in code. A right view of this text shows the “Beast” or “Babylon” to be Rome. Rome represents the power of the kingdoms of the world in every generation. This “Beast” is cast into a sea of fire along with the rest of those who worship him.

I don’t think I would go to sleep tonight without giving this passage some thought.

“Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons… for all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries… Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.” John, Revelation 18:2-5

At last, how will we respond? The people in Luke 8 were fearful. Why were they so fearful? Jesus had performed many exorcisms and miracles before, none of them freaked out the people as much as this group of country bumpkins.

Could it be they were “worshippers of the Beast”? Could it be that they understood this action but we have missed it? Who did they fear here? Maybe they connected the dots. The Kingdom of God had come to town.

“But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Jesus, Matthew 12:28

Conclusion

As I have written already, the Kingdom of God is at the forefront of Christ’s message. It is the Gospel message. It can’t be reduced to heaven and hell and having your sins forgiven. The Lord may use this version in a person’s life, but it is most certainly not the full Gospel of Christ.

It is important that we recognize the serious implications of Jesus’ actions. Before he ever chose any of his disciples or set out to preaching and healing people, Jesus defined his Kingdom and settled, at least in his own heart and mind, that the Kingdom of God would come in two stages: the already, but not yet.

“While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.” Luke 19:11 NIV

The Kingdom of God is already here in every action of a believer that is participating in “thy Kingdom come” and joining God where he is overcoming evil with good. This calls for lives marked by estrangement and great patience in the face of social injustices.

The “not yet” aspect reminds us of our hope to stand firm, for our labor is not in vain. Christ will crush all the kingdoms of the world and he will, as N.T. Wright puts it, “set the world to rights”.

In the meantime, we trust in the power of the upside-down Kingdom. We come alongside those who are suffering and we suffer with them. We make sure we are overcoming evil with good and not suppressing evil with more evil. Our safeguard against this temptation to pick up the sword, is Christ himself.

“Christianity without the living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, p.59

If you follow my blog, you know I believe there is something terribly wrong with the Christianity that we have embraced in America. And I wanted to share some quick thoughts particularly on our misplaced confidence in government and our so-called “duty” to vote. Just some thoughts really. Take it or leave it.

Please be forewarned that his one has a bit of a “tone.” You know, a “tone” that is interpreted as “angry” or “anti-American” or something like that. So please read knowing that I am in-fact a bit… hmm… how do you say… fed up. But, I assure you my sorrow far outweighs any sort of anger.

I am working on it. I still haven’t managed to dress up all of my actions in the garb of the hippy Jesus who wears the façade that says, “I am holy because I do not get angry.” I prefer the stance that says, “I am angry because I am holy.”

In other words, I believe any frustration and concern that I express ought to be shared among all who call themselves “disciples of Jesus.” Hopefully, this momentary expression of anger and sorrow will mature into a renewed Christology that will give us all more reason to trust in Jesus instead of ourselves.

And so I give you my thoughts.

Jesus: Change We Have a Hard Time Believing In

I am convinced that our political “freedoms” are instead a bondage that leads us to reject Christ’s methods of change… only to turn and accept the world’s methods of exhorting power over people. I can see that this marriage of the church to the state by acceptance of its methods only produces a nominal Christian “religion” where we can all live comfortable while we overcome evil with a vote.

We can walk away feeling like we have done someone a favor with our vote. Like we have made a difference by playing in to the system of suppressing evil through law and violence. As if we have been called to confront evil in this manner.

Mark my words:

The intermarriage of church and state is the greatest tragedy in the history of Christianity. It violates the heart of the Gospel of Christ.

The church has been sidetracked. Duped is more like it. We have been misled to believe that we have been called to save the culture and remind the sinners that God is watching them like a drunk abusive Santa Claus figure.

Somehow the mentioning of God on monuments, money, and in our many assemblies means that God is pleased. I just don’t get it. You took prayer out of schools? Well, God is ticked now. Watch out! The culture will go to hell in a hand basket because you have quit stamping the god of deism on worldly institutions for political reasons.

Clearly, we have been deceived into thinking our God “blesses” nations when they talk about him and he “curses” when they don’t. I’m not buying this anymore. It is no longer consistent with the Jesus I know. Shouldn’t we have learned this lesson with Israel in the Old Testament through the prophets like Amos and Jeremiah?

You don’t get points for looking religious and embracing sin in your hearts. You don’t escape the judgment of Christ and receive his blessings just because a worldly empire decides to speak Christianese and mix its agenda with God’s plan through the church. How have we missed this?

Is a worldly kingdom “blessed” because it has material abundance? Does it cease to be “blessed” because it stops using the generic name “God” around town? What sort of God in Christ do we have? It’s time we see things rightly about how God deals with worldly kingdoms and how he deals separately with his church. We need to apply his Word appropriately.

God has always used worldly kingdoms to suppress evil and judge other nations who have become corrupt. They are agents of wrath (Rom. 13:4). God then turns around and judges that nation for its own sin and corruption. Assyria, in the 8th century BC, is a perfect example of God using worldly empires as a “rod” of his wrath. He then punished Assyria and held her responsible for her actions and all of the iniquities found in her.

The story of Israel in the Old Testament, and the church in the New Testament today, is to be set apart and to operate under a different set of rules—to count yourself as a citizen of another other-worldly kingdom with a King who is jealous for our allegiance. All along he has wanted his people to recognize that there is no other King beside him. Jesus is Lord, not Caesar.

If Caesar wants your taxes and you are required to carry a drivers license and obey the laws of the land, fine! But give to God what is God’s. Your spirit, soul, and body belong to him. Your efforts and energies are to be spent investing in a Kingdom that is eternal. Kingdoms of the world are temporary systems that are on their way out. Their methods of changing the world are coming to an end.

The church should not be a part of this endless cycle of worldly kingdom violence and her partisan politics of corruption.

The church’s work should engage the injustices of the world in ways that do not violate the principles of the Kingdom of God. This is what we should be discussing in the forums. This is what ought to be on our minds. Forget the glory of Rome and his Caesar. Sure, honor him, but fear God only (1 Pet. 2:13-17).

Of course, pray for these worldly leaders, but do not concern yourself with putting your hand to the political plow of power. It will take your heart captive and sow evil where pride, arrogance, and all forms of hatred hide (Titus 3:1-7; 2 Pet. 2:11-12). We must give ourselves fully to Christ’s manner of engaging the injustices of this cruel world. This means we recognize that Christ is the only candidate worthy of our campaigning.

Therefore, how ridiculous is it to talk about “our country” and use language only reserved for the church as if it applies to nations that have been instituted by God for the sole purpose of executing wrath. God “bless” America? I’m sorry, I have a hard time hearing the apostle Paul say, “God bless Rome.” And apparently, many Christians can’t understand the absurdity in a statement that takes such pride in the kingdoms of this world.

Are we really prepared to say that the answer to the failing economy and the culture wars is to vote the all-inclusive “God” back in to the world’s vernacular? Sorry, don’t buy that at all. The Christianizing of a pagan culture by worldly methods will only produce a pagan “Christian” culture that knows how to talk religious and make a profit off of religious products.

Which is what we have done in the past. We have a luxury Jesus didn’t have? Times are different? I have a duty to vote and play a role in this mess? I think it is time to question these clichés and begin a revolution back to the Gospel of the New Testament.

I am convinced it is time for Christians to lose these “rights” they are told to “exercise” and be left with nothing but the wealth and security of Christ.

It doesn’t seem to bother many of us that Christianity has found favor among the God-haters. As long as we can rest easy at night knowing we still have our “rights” and that gays won’t be able to marry, who cares about the status of their hearts and reaching out to them as Christ would. I guess it doesn’t really matter that the pregnant teenager really needs someone to take her in, not a picket sign in her face telling her she is going to hell or a meaningless vote in a private booth that you were told makes you a “good” citizen.

It’s much easier to believe in a version of the Kingdom of God that is able to advance through politics; that way we don’t have to get our hands dirty—at least not in the sense of touching people who are in spiritual and physical need. Besides, if we take Jesus seriously, we may actually have to talk to some of those folks. We might be asked to love them to change and stop relying on the methods of the world to stir up their flesh to sin more.

It really is a matter of overcoming evil instead of suppressing it. Laws don’t save people. They only provoke the sinful nature of man. Those without Christ need them, but it is the purpose of those institutions of man to use those methods. You think we would have learned that by now.

It is the world that looks for change through politics.

It is the world that believes that peace will come by legislation and the wisdom of generals and political orators. Who are we to mingle with that rabble? What business is it of ours to hop in the very vehicle that will rise against Christ and make its final stand on that last day.

You know the last time I checked, politicians make great anti-christs. Keep that in mind when you are tempted to join in the partisan politics and play this silly game leading up to November 4th 2008. Where is Christ in it all? How did he engage the worldly systems of his day? I’m willing to bet the answer is much clearer than we would like it to be.

Why then? Why so blurry? Because we have grown accustomed to our life here in Corinth. And as Paul said to the original Corinthians, he would say to us, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).

Will we trust the way of the cross? The kind of winning that happens by dying? The battle plan that calls for everyone to lay down their arms and fight with love? Will we reconcile ourselves to a Gospel that demands we operate in an upside-down Kingdom or will we call it foolishness and forfeit our inheritance? How will the church respond in my generation?

I believe she will have that opportunity in this country real soon. Many will be unprepared, I fear. They will be shocked when the veil falls from their eyes and they actually are given no choice but to stare into the blinding light of Christ’s Gospel in the midst of suffering.

I am nervous at the thought of it. Yet, I am confident that our faith will undergo a great transformation. We will tap into a power we have not been acquainted with in these worldly chains we have prematurely dubbed “freedom.” I long for that day. Come Lord Jesus, come!

“And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country– a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16

The first part of this essay is a handful of selected Scriptures. I believe every Christian should read the following Scriptures and ask the Lord to speak to their heart in order that they may be able to discern heavenly truth from worldly passion.

The second part of this essay is what I believe to be the clear application of what we read in the following Scriptures. We must sincerely seek the Lord in these matters. It is a matter that is central to the person and the work of Christ.

Therefore, a close examination is necessary for discipleship. Being an election year, I pray the Lord will open our eyes and help us to see Christ rightly that we might reflect his person and works. May we recognize the great cost in following Jesus and the radical nature of the Gospel in all aspects of our lives.

*Please take time to read the following Scriptures. It is best to read in one sitting. Please allow the Lord to open your heart as you read.

Matthew 5
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
39 But I tell you, Do not resist (Gk: “forcefully resist”) an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

John 18
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Matthew 4
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

John 12
31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world (i.e. Satan) will be driven out.
32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

Luke 4
5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.
7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”
8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'”

Revelation 20
7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison
8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth– Gog and Magog– to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.
9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people (i.e. the church), the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.
10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast (i.e. ROMAN EMPIRE) and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Revelation 12
9 The great dragon was hurled down– that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Luke 4
42 At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.
43 But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

Acts
3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,
22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Luke 10

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.
35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

John 13
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Matthew 16
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (i.e. live the way I am living, do as I am doing).
25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

1 Peter 2
9 But you (i.e. the church) are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
13 Submit (e.g. in the way of Christ) yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, (only) honor the king.
18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.
20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Matthew 22
15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.
16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians (i.e. zealous militants) . “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.
17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?
19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius,
20 and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s (i.e. taxes), and to God what is God’s (i.e. full allegiance, obedience to Christ).”
22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Hebrews 11
3 All these people (i.e. the patriarchs, men of faith) were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 Instead, they were longing for a better country– a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Philippians 3
18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach (i.e. feelings/emotions), and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

NOTE:
The words soter (Savior) and euangellion (Gospel) were used by Paul to signify a rebuke against Caesar who used these words to describe himself as “Savior” and what he can do for the Empire as good news or “Gospel”. He writes to the believers in the Roman colony (i.e. retirement home for Roman patriots) of Philippi and deliberately uses language that opposes Rome. He also uses the words “Jesus Christ (messiah, king)” or “Christ Jesus” more than any other time in his epistles. Paul is saying and has said (Rom. 12) that we are in the world, but we are not of it. Our citizenship (loyalties, support, allegiance) rests with Christ. Our earthly citizenship becomes necessary only for the sake of functioning in the kingdoms of the world and for the advancement of the Gospel (Acts 22:23-29).

Christ is the complete revelation of God’s good will for his people (Col. 2:9; Heb. 8:13). His kingship and kingdom threatens the rule of the kingdoms of the world. It is no wonder why Paul was treated more harshly in this city of Philippi more than any other in the first-century (Acts 16). His language defied the rule of the present-day empire.

2 Corinthians 10
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Matthew 26
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

Ephesians 6
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador (i.e. a foreign minister of diplomacy, one who is sent from another place) in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

NOTE:
Paul uses physical Roman military attire to describe the spiritual armor and weaponry of the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of peace. It shows the stark contrast in the two kingdoms. It becomes clear that the kingdoms of the world are utterly opposed in practice to the Kingdom of God.

1 Timothy 2
3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs– he wants to please his commanding officer.
5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

1 John 2
3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:
6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard.
8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.
10 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.
11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For everything in the world– the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does– comes not from the Father but from the world.
17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Revelation 17
14 They (i.e. the nations of the world) will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings– and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

Romans 12
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God– this is your spiritual act of worship.
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head (i.e. act of kindness leading to repentance).”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
9 The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Rethinking the Two Kingdoms: The Cross or the Sword?

It is very important to note what lies between Romans 12 and the end of Romans 13. Romans 13:1-7 is placed between a very clear description of right Christian living. It is very clear indeed: The Christian life is marked by love, longsuffering, and estrangement.

This charge to mimic the very actions of Christ himself obviously precludes the notion that the Christian can participate in oppressing evil with violence and rule of worldly law (even if that law claims to be God’s). The method of the Kingdom of God is to overcome and destroy evil by going to the root of man’s predicament (i.e. crucifying flesh by the cross of Christ and being made new in his likeness).

This means the Christian loves like Christ in hopes that the sinner will come to repentance (Rom. 2:4). Christ’s love not only opens the door of man’s heart… according to the book of 1 John… its display in our lives is the great indicator to knowing whether or not we belong to him.

The worldly kingdoms or governments are not concerned with why a person does right… only that they obey what is established as right. The rule of worldly kingdoms are necessary only to suppress evil doers and restrain them from bringing the world to utter chaos. They can never bring about the spiritual renewal that is produced by the Kingdom of God.

It should be very obvious to the believer that participating in the oppression of evil men through worldly kingdom power with violence and law is not the method of Christ. The Christian recognizes the unfortunate necessity of the rule of the kingdoms of the world, yet they know that the Kingdom of God stands in contrast to them all, even to those “peace” loving and “freedom” giving ones.

The Christian should submit to the rule of the kingdoms of the world in the same manner of Christ. The New Testament tells us we are to live at peace with all men as long as it depends on us. We are even to pray for the leaders of the worldly kingdoms.

However, the Christian will clash with the kingdoms of the world when asked to violate a Kingdom of God principle (e.g. killing your enemies instead of loving them, using power-over instead of power-under, etc.).

The Christian, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of the OT, will acknowledge that obedience to Christ is supreme. This example is seen in Christ’s actions as well as his followers for the first 200-300 years of church history.

It was not until the rule of Constantine that many professing believers compartmentalized their faith and created doctrines to excuse participation in the power-over rule of the kingdoms of the world. Yet, there was always a remnant that was faithful to the teachings of Jesus.

They were usually the ones being burnt alive and thrown to the lions in the arena.

The Kingdom of God vs. The Kingdoms of the World

The kingdoms of the world, much like man’s flesh, cannot be redeemed. Satan has power over them; power to manipulate and pervert justice. Therefore, like the flesh, you see a mix of good and evil within every kingdom of the world.

Throughout history you see a constant shifting cycle of good and evil within the kingdoms of the world. There will be nations that do a lot of good and there will be those whose leaders are purely evil. However, it is important to remember that all of the kingdoms of the world are tainted.

God will not bring about the summation of his will by these corrupted kingdoms, but by his church which is proclaiming the eternal reign of the Kingdom of God. The book of Revelation makes it very clear that all the kingdoms of the world (i.e. the Beast) will be cast into the fire with the devil in the end.

Martin Luther was right when he called worldly governments the “Left Hand” of God and the church the “Right Hand.” As time goes on the Lord keeps evil restrained with his sovereign left hand through the use of man’s law. Even as Satan manipulates and controls, the Lord is ultimately sovereign over them.

With his right hand he is doing a completely new work with the church. It is a kingdom not of this world. It’s his new creation. It threatens all other kingdoms with the proclamation of heavenly citizenship and allegiance to the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

As the Christian alternative band Switchfoot sings, “I pledge allegiance to a country without borders… without politicians… watching for my sky get torn apart.”

Christ will return to establish this Kingdom in its entirety very soon. In the meantime, we are caught between the workings of two kingdoms: the kingdoms of the world vs. the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God has broken into the kingdoms of the world and is dismantling them by the upside-down ways of Christ through his church. Yet, the Kingdom is not yet known it its fullness. It is referred to as the “already, but not yet” aspect of the eternal Kingdom of our God and King.

The Christian is to keep these two kingdoms separate in theory and in practice. I regret that Martin Luther did not understand the full implications of this biblical truth. Luther, along with other “reformers,” persecuted other Christians that refused to mix themselves with religion and politics.

An honest assessment of history will prove this fact to be undeniable. It is not enough just to recognize the two kingdoms. We must choose which one we will give our lives to in participation.

Nationalism: Building Walls Christ Destroyed On the Cross

Throughout world history we have seen some kingdoms of the world do a better job than others when it comes to enforcing “just” law. At other times we have seen men, like Hitler and Stalin, use the kingdoms of the world to wreak havoc and chaos through an unashamed perversion of right and wrong.

It is not hard to see the evil nature in examples such as these. However, we must see that all worldly kingdoms have a level of evil in them. Even the “freedom” giving nations are corrupt, as was Rome and the United States after it. Within these kingdoms are men who use “freedom” as a cover up for evil.

Many in the U.S. claim that America has received God’s favor like no other nation before it. This claim is most definitely made in light of America’s material abundance and references to God on her currency. This is a scary criterion to make this judgment by, no doubt.

This is not the first time a whole nation has believed this. And what is most disturbing about the American Empire is that in its founding it violated the same Scripture that many Christians use to impose upon those Christians who do not wish to involve themselves with politics (e.g. Romans 13:1-2).

The founding of this modern-day empire was built upon rebellion and treason; a rebellion against the governing authorities established by God (i.e. the British Empire). The agendas of all worldly kingdoms are no secret to us who have eyes to see and ears to hear! Their agendas are power and wealth and securing these things in the name of God and peace.

Like the Pax Romana (i.e. Peace of Rome), nations after them have enforced threats and violence to uphold the rule of law and keep this worldly peace; to further its own glory and satisfy its lust for power.

The myth of “redemptive violence” is undoubtedly tied to economic advancement and the furtherance of a particular way of life. It is born out of a tribal mentality that prides itself in natural distinctions and divisions that Christ destroyed on the cross. It is the same thing that fuels racism.

It’s also what produces denominations and the pride that ensues in them. The only difference, patriotism is seen as admirable and encouraged by the masses, racism for the most part is condemned in the public as barbarian (Many do not see that racism and slavery are actually in keeping with what fuels patriotism).

Instead of focusing on color of skin, patriotism is entirely dependent upon what piece of land you were born on. And of course, denominations secretly believe they are better than all others while at the same time holding a uniform front of a love for all creeds.

All of this should be seen rightly in its absolute absurdity! It should be no hard thing for the Christian to see the great gulf that lies between the kingdoms of the world and the Kingdom of God.

For example, asking God to “bless America” is inherently connected to pride and nationalism that Jesus rejected, as well as his followers for the two centuries of the church. It ignores the work of the cross.

Jesus turned the tables on worldly thinking. He said there are only two teams: citizens of the world and citizens of the cross. Every division and distinction of man (e.g. race, nationality, slave, free, etc.) has been eradicated (Gal.3:28).

The only distinctions the Christian should see are those laid down by Christ himself. The Christian does not see nations (i.e. political entities) that need to be blessed by God. They only see the world and Christ. They see lost mankind and a God who loves everyone irrespective of nationality.

Gregory Boyd writes, “The kingdom of God participant has by love transcended the tribal and nationalistic parameters of whatever version of the kingdom of the world they find themselves in.” He goes on to say, “kingdom of God participants carry the cross, not the sword.” (The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church, p.47)

I have lost count of how many times I have heard a professing believer agree that we should love all men of every nation and at the same time tell me they are still proud to be an American, and they think I should move because I am not proud.

I can’t help but wonder who has really placed their allegiance (i.e. unwavering devotion) and trust in Christ. They clearly do not understand what it means to be “in” the world, but not “of” it. In saying this, they prove that there is an unhealthy interest in the world. They do not see things rightly.

The mouth exposes the heart.

We simply cannot hear the betrayal in our words until the Lord Jesus has given us eyes to see and ears to hear. A close and honest examination of the person and work of Christ will cause us to see the veil that has been pulled over our eyes.

As many men have noted in the past, an over-abundance of worldly freedom leads to idolatry and all kinds of wickedness. Especially when a man is not constrained by the Holy Spirit of God, the flesh is given full power to reign and do whatever is right in his own eyes.

Worldly men that seek any freedom outside of Christ are therefore worshippers of tolerance. True Christian living will eventually be interpreted as intolerance.

In early Christianity followers of Christ were seen as haters of culture and the empire. But it was not because of the “Religious Right” or some other politically militant agenda that the Empire viewed Christians as haters of society. It was because early Christians did not live for the advancement of the kingdoms of the world and her temporary pursuits of glory.

Naturally, they were seen as non-violent rebels of the greatest Empire ever to come across the global horizon.

Michael Martin writes, “Christendom (i.e. Christian government, coalitions, institutions, etc.) tries to control morality through civil means because they have failed to uphold the truth in their own assemblies. They have diluted the Gospel and rendered themselves savorless salt. Now they turn to human government to do what the church should have done through Christian influence. The Remnant who takes God at his Word will flourish.” (Cup and Cross: An Introduction to Anabaptist History, p.305)

Christian Language in Politics

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Maximus from the movie Gladiator said, “Rome is the light.” How many times have we heard this language and not been alerted spiritually to the mixing of the two kingdoms? This language was used early in American history.

America was identified with Israel and their conquest and the Indians were the Canaanites that needed to be wiped out. Biblical language was infused with politics to arouse the Christians to get involved and support the slaughter of thousands.

This same thing was done to support the American Revolution and in almost every war America has fought. It didn’t matter then, and apparently doesn’t matter now, that the founding fathers were Deists and most of them did not even believe Christ was and is God.

Earthly power and prestige has won the day over meekness and mourning.

Many Christians have disowned their Lord and have chosen to be religious zealots instead of non-violent peacemakers. Jesus is obviously not enough for some believers.

Is it not enough that Jesus is the light? Is Rome (i.e. America) the light too? Can it really be? Which gospel will we follow? Caesar’s or Jesus’… the way of the cross or the way of the sword?

Religion paired with politics can ignite a patriotism that achieves what no nation has ever achieved. To the flesh this is irresistible! Even Hitler understood how important it was to have “God” on your side.

Hitler’s troops were often sprinkled with holy water by the priests. He stood for family values and opposed the practice of homosexuality. He was a charismatic leader who spoke of God and restoring Germany to a place of security.

It is safe to say that Nazi Germany could be described as a “Christian” nation whose citizens were indoctrinated by both church and state, and blindly followed all authority figures, political and ecclesiastical.

We might think that Hitler’s actions toward the Jews nullify his good “Christian” deeds, therefore, he can’t be compared to any American president. The Holocaust was no doubt a horrifying event and to this day it stands as a reminder of man’s capability to do the worst evil.

What is most noticeable about the Holocaust is that it all happened at a single point in time. From a biblical perspective, we should see American atrocities strung out over 200 years no differently (e.g. the American Revolution, Manifest Destiny, Vietnam, Iran, Kuwait, Iraq, etc.).

Our inability to see the evil in them all is proof that we have been polluted by a worldly agenda and a nationalistic fervor. The same evil that fueled Hitler is capable of being born out of our own nationalistic pursuits. The starting place for this great evil is the same for Hitler as it is for all those who passionately live for worldly gain.

Hitler was convinced that the Jews were the evil that needed to be eradicated. Bush believes they are terrorists. The question we should be asking is, “What does Jesus see?” Bush may not be of the same evil caliber as Hitler, but he is still an agent of wrath. Who can disagree with this?

The Christian’s response to evil should be much different than those of the government. The Lord has given the authority to the government to be “agents of wrath,” but the church is to be his agents of love.

There is no doubt that politicians today know the benefits that come from invoking the name of God and religion, and they use it to their advantage. Listen and you will hear it even now as the elections approach us. Presidents past and present have invoked religion when it suits their own purposes.

However, when it comes to social morality and true justice, the majority of American politicians are leaving religion at the door.

America does not want anyone telling her how to live. The Christian voice is stifled and ignored in his cry to address issues of ethics and morality. The politicians will use the naïve politically active Christian to get a vote for war because so many have blindly believed that America is favored by God. They throw them to the lions once they have what they want.

These politicians have adopted Constantine’s methods. Pandering to the ignorant “evangelical” Christian activist can be very advantageous to the kingdom when you need a vote. The 2000 and 2004 election is proof of this.

When it is all said and done the politically active Christian sells his soul expecting to reap a reward of worldly kingdom security, only to find that he denies his Lord by his actions and still suffers the same fate.

It can hardly be denied that our current Caesar’s rule has been made possible by religious zealots who sincerely believe that God has favorite nations and that real Christians can be agents of wrath.

Not long ago, Ronald Reagan took the words of Jesus about his church and used them to apply to this present-day Empire. He said America, not the church, is a “city on a hill”, a light to the world. The same language is used frequently by the current president.

My question to all of us is, “Which will it be?” Jesus said that we must serve one master. There is no such thing as dual citizenship and keeping one foot in both kingdoms. We will serve one and hate the other.

I can’t love my wife above all others and also love my neighbor’s wife above all others. Neither can I have competing allegiances with the Lord Jesus Christ.

No matter what we may think and how we may justify disobeying Christ’s commands, this is an accurate portrayal of the situation before us now. His commands are clear and to him alone ought we to pledge our allegiance. We make no promises to this worldly kingdom.

We are loyal to Christ alone and his precepts.

Early Christian Beliefs

Many professing believers across the religio-political landscape claim to have God’s perspective on the matter as they twist Scriptures and proof-text in order to support civil action. It is very disturbing to see how many professing believers practice their faith in Christ. Especially when compared to the lives of the early Christians.

What were Christians saying before the merging of church and state in the fourth century? What were the practices of the disciples of the disciples? How did they live out Kingdom principles before the “Christianizing” of empires? How political were they?

The following quotes are taken from “A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs” by David W. Bercot:

In “Letter to Diognetus” (c. 125-200 AD.), 1.27 “Christians obey the prescribed laws. In fact, they actually surpass the laws by their lives.”

“The Caesars too would have believed on Christ, if either the Caesars had not been necessary for the world, or if Christians could have been Caesars.” Tertullian (c. 197 AD, W), 3.35

“In us, all ardor in the pursuit of glory and honor is dead. So we have no pressing inducement to take part in your public (civic) meetings. Nor is there anything more entirely foreign to us than affairs of the state.” Tertulilian (c.197 AD, W), 3.45.

“Civil laws are one thing, which varies everywhere according to customs. However, justice is another thing—which God has set forth uniformly and simply to all.” Lactantius (c. 304-313 a.d.)

“God imposed upon mankind the fear of man, for mankind did not acknowledge the fear of God. So He did this in order that, being subjected to the authority of men, and kept under restraint by their law, mankind might obtain some degree of justice. They might exercise mutual forbearance through dread of the sword…Earthly rule, therefore, has been appointed by God for the benefit of nations.” Irenaeus (c. 180 AD, E/W), 1.552

“Examine then, and see if God is not the dispenser of kingdoms. For He is Lord both of the world that is ruled and of the man who rules. See if He has ordained the changes of dynasties, with their appointed seasons… See if the rise and fall of states are not His work, under whose sovereignty the human race once was without states at all.” Tertullian (c. 197 AD, W), 3.35.

Justin Martyr (160 AD) writes, “We who formerly murdered one another now refrain from making war even upon our enemies.”

“We have learned not to return blow for blow, nor to go to law with those who plunder and rob us. Instead, even to those who strike us on one side of the face, we offer the other side also. Athenagoras (c. 175 AD, E), 2.129.

Finally, listen to John’s account of the angel who spoke of the end of Babylon (i.e. Rome, worldly kingdoms):

NIV Revelation 18:1 “After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. 3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; 5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. 6 Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double portion from her own cup.

7 Give her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn.’ 8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. 9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: “‘Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!’

11 “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more– 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and bodies and souls of men.

14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out: “‘Woe! Woe, O great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!

17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’ “Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’

19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: “‘Woe! Woe, O great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin! 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.'” 21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. 2

2 The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again. 23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. 24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth.”

In my opinion, this is the most frightening passage in all of Scripture. It speaks of the end of the power and glory of the empires past, present, and future. This not only refers to John’s day (i.e. Rome), but every generation the church enters.

Without going too far into eschatology and getting lost in stupid debates about dates and so forth… I will only say that this much is not up for discussion: The Lord will crush the kingdoms of the world which persecuted God’s people!

“In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” Daniel 2:44

At this time we will see the earth destroyed by fire and the heavenly city coming down out of heaven to the new purified earth. What a wonderful reality we will know soon. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Everything will be exposed. Nothing will be hidden.

Terrorist will no longer hide in caves and presidents will no longer profane the name of God by wicked deeds done in secret. All will be weighed on this: works done in the flesh and those done through the person of Christ. Nations will no longer matter and status will be irrelevant. Those things done out of the flesh for the power and glory of man will fade, only those who are found faithful in Christ will overcome.

Follow Christ

So then, how did Christ respond to the evil of his day? How do we identify ourselves as “overcomers”? We are supposed to confront evil the way he did and do as he did in every area of life (1 Jn. 2:6).

I believe the actions and reactions of Christ to his day should be displayed in every realm of our day as well. At the same time, we recognize that this means there are some things that are off limits to the Christian. We recognize that in participating with agents of wrath, we violate Kingdom of God principles.

The problem I see is where Christians are participating in things of the world that do not concern them. It is there they are asking, “How can I be Christ here?” The answer may be, “Christ would never even be there to begin with.”

For example: Christ was into politics, however it wasn’t through working the system. It was through working against it. Christ had much to say about the empire of his day, but it was from the outside of that empire. When he finally did directly engage the empire he did a treasonous thing by proclaiming himself the ruler of all things, for this he was crucified.

If Christians were to live like Christ, their outcome might be very similar. Yet from what I see, those believers who work the political landscape of the empire today from the inside, lose their authentic Christian influence and never experience the same rejection Christ did.

The real Christ is never seen in these people because they have violated Kingdom principles and joined themselves with the kingdoms of the world. They are trying to do good things by working the system instead of working against the system by way of the cross of Christ. They are joining the “oppressors” of evil and have refused to follow the way of the “defeater” of evil.

The ways of the Kingdom of God are upside-down and unattractive to those who do not know the power of salvation!

We must study Christ’s actions to the issues of his day. We then must carry that over into our modern day circumstances. The Spirit will then guide us into all things Christian. We should rest in the peace of knowing that Christ lives in us!

The first step is in discerning between the two kingdoms. The Christian has entered in to the Kingdom of God and has forsaken the ways of the kingdoms of this world. We now are to trust in the “foolishness” of the cross and the way of Christ.

Even when it appears that the methods of the agents of wrath are more effective. We know the truth to their purpose and their calling. It is in this recognition that we will be able to clearly articulate the Kingdom of God to a world that is consumed with itself.

Christian, trust the way of the cross, not the sword. Begin professing today, “Jesus is Lord, Caesar is not.” Then go and walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

“Empire, learning, and religion have in past ages been traveling from east to west, and this continent (America) is their last western state… Here then is God erecting a stage on which to exhibit the great things of His kingdom.” Thomas Brockaway, (1784 AD).

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.” Paul, Col. 1:13-14

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Paul, Col. 1:13-20

“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Paul, Col. 2:15

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus, Jn. 14:27

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” Jesus, Jn. 15:18-19

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus, Jn. 16:33

SUGGESTED READING:

“The Gospel of the Kingdom: Scriptural Studies in the Kingdom of God” by George Eldon Ladd ”

The Upside-Down Kingdom” by Donald Kraybill

“God is Not… Religious, Nice, “One of Us”, an American, a Capitalist” by Brent Laytham

“The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church” by Gregory A. Boyd

“Jesus for President” by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw

“Jesus and Empire: The Kingdom of God and the New World Disorder” by Richard A. Horsley